Police in the Western Division are bracing for an upsurge in gang-related incidents following the murder of Sheldon Trimmingham of La Puerta, Diego Martin.
Trimmingham's murder came just over 24 hours after a gang leader from the area and another gang member were shot and wounded. That incident occurred around 9 pm on Sunday, where the gang leader was shot in the leg when gunmen shot up the vehicle he was in. Police sources said they believe Trimmingham was killed as a reprisal over that shooting.
A resident from the area, who wished not to be identified, said Trimmingham had been threatened during the day on Monday.
"He was nowhere to be found during the day and he knew they were out for him, but he chose to still come out in the night to lime," the resident said.
Asked what was happening in the La Puerta area, he said: "They starting to fight for turf again. Is the upper don't deal with the lower people and that is the reality of it."
However, Trimmingham's relatives, who spoke to the T&T Guardian while at the Forensic Science Centre, St James, yesterday, said they had no idea why the father of four was killed.
Trimmingham's common-law-wife, Nikita Owen, said she was home at the time when she heard gunshots and came outside to Trimmingham dead.
Asked if he was threatened or if she had any idea why he was killed, Owen said: "No. He never told me anything and I did not know anything."
She described Trimmingham as a hard worker and dedicated father to his children, aged 16, 11, 18 months and two months.
"He was currently the sub-contractor for the Diego Martin Community Centre which is being built presently. He worked very hard and honestly to earn a living and to see about me and his children. He was a very cool and loving person to me," Owen said.
His sister, who did not give her name, used the opportunity to clear the air on her brother being one of the 13 people who were charged for the kidnapping and murder of businesswoman Vindra Naipaul-Coolman. In fact, it was his brothers - Marlon and Earl Trimmingham -who were linked to that case. Investigations are continuing.